Trump's push to end Ukraine war raises fears of 'ugly deal' for Europe | Hindustan Times

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**Rephrased Title:** Trump's Ukraine Push Sparks Fears of 'Ugly Deal' for Europe **Rephrased Article:** BRUSSELS, Belgium - As US President Donald Trump's efforts to end the war in Ukraine gain momentum, European leaders are growing increasingly anxious about the potential consequences. They fear that any deal reached between the US and Russia may not adequately address Moscow's aggression, leaving Europe vulnerable to further security threats. The latest US initiative has revived concerns about Trump's commitment to NATO, with some European officials questioning whether the alliance remains a reliable partner. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius recently expressed doubts about the future of European alliances, citing uncertainty about which ones will remain durable. US Senator Marco Rubio has sought to reassure Europeans that they will be involved in discussions about NATO's role in any peace settlement. However, EU officials remain skeptical, pointing out that any deal will have far-reaching implications for Europe, from potential territorial concessions to US-Russian economic cooperation. European leaders are also worried about the prospect of a deal that would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin to attack beyond Ukraine's borders again. They fear that any agreement that fails to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity could lead to further aggression from Moscow. The EU has struggled to exert its influence on the peace process, despite providing significant aid to Ukraine. European officials are concerned that ending Russia's economic isolation could give Moscow billions of dollars to reconstitute its military, making it a more formidable threat. To counter this, a coalition of European nations led by France and Britain has pledged to deploy a "reassurance force" to Ukraine as part of postwar security guarantees. However, even this effort may be limited in its effectiveness, requiring US support to succeed. As the situation unfolds, European leaders are facing a daunting reality: their ability to influence the outcome of the peace talks is limited, and their security may be at risk as a result.